COVID-19 UPDATE: 

Complete removal of outdoor gathering limits is NOW in effect.

NJ to drop 6-ft distancing rule & stop mandating people wear masks indoors and outdoors is NOW in effect.

- Gov. Murphy, NJ

VAX UP!

FREE vaccinations will be given on-site at the Festival, courtesy of the NJ Department of Health, Wegmans Pharmacy and Hunterdon Medical Center.   Get vaccinated on-site at the Balloon Festival and receive special admission discounts!

Vaccination Operating Hours During The Balloon Festival:

Pre-Register by clicking HERE!

Friday, July 23:  1:00pm - 4:00pm

Saturday, July 24:  8:00am - 11:00am & 12:00pm - 4:00pm

Sunday, July 25:  8:00am - 11:00am & 12:00pm - 4:00pm

PLEASE NOTE:  The safety of patrons, artists, pilots and staff remains our top priority. NJLFOB organizers will continue to work to ensure the return of our patrons is accomplished in a safe and responsible way.  We are in regular communication with local health and public safety officials and will follow current recommendations and guidelines in place at the time of the festival.

 As the weekends approach, New Jersey Lottery Festival of Ballooning patrons will receive regular updates with important information regarding safety policies and procedures before entering Solberg Airport, and which will also be shared at www.balloonfestival.com, on social media and via the NJLFOB Email List, so please check back often. 

THIS PAGE LAST UPDATED:  July 13

Is the festival on?  Yes, it is.  The New Jersey Lottery Festival of Ballooning returns to Solberg Airport the weekend of July 23 – 25. 

Relevant, recent news.  Governor Phil Murphy announced that the following changes are now in effect.

Complete removal of outdoor gathering limits.  Patrons will no longer be required to stay in seats while ordering and eating or drinking.  Large outdoor venues such as MetLife Stadium and minor league baseball parks, will be allowed to have full crowds starting May 28th.  

NJ to drop 6-ft social distancing rule for other venues, along with stopping mandating people to wear masks at both indoors and outdoors places starting May 28th.

Click HERE to read the full article.

Face masks – at this point – will be optional, as the state of NJ is no longer requiring people to wear masks at indoor places starting Friday, May 28th.

10,154,028  is the total of New Jersey residents who have received a vaccine shot as of July 13.*

5,566,335 New Jersey residents who received at least one dose.

4,968,764  New Jersey residents have been fully vaccinated.*

     *Data received from NJ Department of Health click HERE to view the report.

What is the festival doing to make it safe?  In short, everything we can.  We will follow the lead of Governor Murphy, as well as the sanitization guidelines and protocols set forth by the CDC and local agencies.  You can expect to see lots more hand sanitizer stations, attendants to wipe down bathrooms, other most-touched surfaces, etc.  We’re working on cashless/touchless payment systems.  And whatever else will be required at that time so we can assure the safest, healthiest and most patron-friendly event possible.

Will masks be required?  What about social distancing?  We want all of our patrons to feel safe and comfortable, with masks being optional.  As for an “official” list of Do’s and Don’ts, attendee policies, etc. it’s still a little early for that.


We are hopeful that with everyone doing their part – and with the widespread distribution of the approved vaccines – we can put the coronavirus behind us over the next few months.  Be sure to follow our email blasts and the festival website for announcements and updated Covid-19 policies.

NJLFOB organizers will continue to work to ensure the return of our patrons is accomplished in a safe and responsible way.